Wednesday, January 09, 2008

Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie Simpson are now on display at the Buena Park Library District. Hito Zapata's fantastic collection of comics, toys, and other “Simpsons” collectibles are now on exhibit in the Library lobby through the end of February 2008. The Buena Park Library is located at 7150 La Palma Avenue in Buena Park, between Knott and Western Avenues.

A kindergarten teacher, Zapata began collecting comic books in 1993 and has an extensive collection. Although he has an entire collection of “Simpsons” comics, he did not begin collecting “Simpsons” toys until 2000. Amongst the items on display at the Library are a “Clue” game with Simpson characters, Homer slippers, a set of toys based upon “The Island of Dr. Moreau” - even a “Chia” head of Homer.

“The Simpsons” were created by cartoonist Matt Groening. He named the characters after members of his own family (except Bart – an anagram of “brat”). “The Simpsons” first appeared on the Tracey Ullman Show in 1987 as short, animated cartoons. “The Simpsons” debuted in their half hour series in December 1989. Always irreverent, sometimes steeped in controversy, “The Simpsons” have added a number of phrases to popular culture such as “D’oh” and “Don’t have a cow, man!”

Stop by the Buena Park Library and look for your favorite residents of Springfield. You will be amazed at the inventive ways the Simpsons have been used to market items. Anyone for a pair of Homer boxers? The Buena Park Library is open Monday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. For information, please call the Reference Desk at 714-826-4100, ext. 125.

Saturday, January 05, 2008

AARP INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE appointments are being taken January 28th for every Tuesday morning starting February 5th at the Buena Park Senior Center, 8150 Knott Avenue in Buena Park (phone number 714-236-3870).

AARP and IRS-trained volunteers will be providing FREE income tax assistance so you can file your 2007 income tax return before the deadline of April 15th, 2008. The income tax counselors will be at the Buena Park Senior Center every Tuesday till April 8th from 9am to noon. Reservations can be made by phone (714-236-3870) or in person at the Senior Center's Front Desk.

Friday, January 04, 2008

The Buena Park Library District, located at 7150 La Palma Ave., will be hosting a free practice SAT test on Saturday, February 2nd, 2008 from 8:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m. sponsored by The Princeton Review. Students will take a full-length test under realistic testing conditions. This practice session will give students an opportunity to see how they will score on the real SAT without affecting their college record. Students in the 7th-12th grade are welcome to participate. Registration is required for this event. Students can register in person at the Information and Reference desk at the Library, by calling 714-826-4100 ext. 125, or emailing Phyllis, the Youth Services Librarian, at pnisle@buenapark.lib.ca.us. Participating students need to bring a calculator and two #2 pencils to the practice test.

For all participating students and their parents, there will be a SAT Scoreback & Parent Information Night on Tuesday, February 12, 2008 from 6:00-7:00 p.m. During this information meeting, students will receive a score report showing their strengths and weaknesses, as well as, free information about college admissions and test taking strategies to improve their score. This meeting is intended for students and their parents.

Any questions call the Library at 714-826-4100 ext. 125 and ask for Phyllis.